More Accutane questions

[yoga1]

Hi again Dr. Rockoff,
It was a pleasure to meet you in person! I am about to start Accutane (20 mg daily to start) and have a few more questions.

1. I have electroysis to remove facial hairs. I know I can't do this while on Accutane or for 6 months after. I just had it done and have some scabs and am planning to have it done one more time next week before starting Accutane. Can I start Accutane the day after electrolysis or do I have to let the scabs heal up to avoid any healing problem?

2. I may have to have an MRI done and they have to inject a die into my hip joint. Is an injection like this ok while on Accutane?

3. There is a chance I may have to have arthroscopic hip surgery sometime in the next year or so... Do you have to wait 6 months post accutane for this kind of surgery?

As always, thanks for this amazing service. With my HMO I always feel so pressured in the doctor's office and forget some of my questions or don't get through them all in the short visits!

Best wishes!

[thuyvan]

I have mild acne and I have tried everything to clear my face up.  But nothing works.  I tried creams, washes, I went to the doctor and she prescribed me special acne cleansers, and I even took some oral medication for my acne. But nothing helps.  I want to take Accutane, but I need your advice.  I am willing to take it because I have tried everything and I'm giving up.  But i'm willing to take Accutane.  Can you please give me advice? thanks for your time.

[thuyvan]

Hi.  My name is Thuy Van and I have some questions to ask.  I had acne since I started middle school, and I have never seen my face free of acne since then. The type of acne that I have is mild, and covers my whole forehead and cheeks with tiny bumps which is very noticeable.  Though mild acne does not sound like a big problem, it is for me.  I have used so many cleansers, face wash, benzoyl peroxide, all of the products that I thought would help clear my acne.  I have used over the counter medicines, I visted my doctor several times, and she prescribed me with special acne creams and wash and I have also used oral medication for my acne.  But obviously the medications that I have tried has not worked and it did not clear my skin.  My forehead also has scars and it is just not a pretty sight.  So my question is, since I have tried almost everything my doctor prescribed me and I have tried all of the over the counter washes and medication, should I use accutane?  I want to use accutane and I believe it would clear my skin in the end, and I would not have to waste money on trying other products.  My older sister had acne and it was worse than mine, and after using Accutane, her face is clear, and you would have never imagined that she had acne. I have tried everything and I'm getting depressed over my acne-covered-face. So I want to use Accutane and I'm willing to use it.  But I need your advice. Should I or not?     Thank You for your time.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

1.  I think you can do it and start.  Shouldn't be a problem.
2.  Yes.
3. Not really.

Accutane slows superficial healing a little bit, but it doesn't stop it.  You should be fine.

Best, and thanks for your kind words.

Dr. Rockoff